Murine models of vascular endothelial injury: Techniques and pathophysiology

Vascular endothelial injury (VEI) triggers pathological processes in various cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and hypertension. To further elucidate the in vivo pathological mechanisms of VEI, many animal models have been established. For the easiness of genetic manipulation and feeding, murine models become most commonly applied for investigating VEI. Subsequently, countless valuable information concerning pathogenesis has been obtained and therapeutic strategies for VEI have been developed. This review will highlight some typical murine VEI models from the perspectives of pharmacological intervention, surgery and genetic manipulation. The techniques, pathophysiology, advantages, disadvantages and the experimental purpose of each model will also be discussed.